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This is a Very Good Deal Considering for Two of... - Review of Chula Vista Resort

We did the Great Escape package that included meals and beverages. This is a very good deal considering for two of us - breakfast buffet was about $30 (we didn't do lunch) and dinner buffet was about $50 each night, plus frozen/speciality cocktails were $8 each. However, if we hadn't done the Great Escape package, meals, room, etc was not worth it. So, if you stay here, get the all-inclusive deal.

When we arrived, we weren't sure where to park, so we came throught the Condo entrance. There was one front desk person. A guy who i wasn't quite sure belonged at the front desk, but he was the only one there. Not too friendly. He gave us our keys, and we were on our way. He said we'd need to stop by the other front desk over at the North Tower to get the rest of our stuff. Yes, the dreaded North Tower as stated in plenty of reviews. :( We got back in the car with our luggage and headed over. We figured we'd check out the room and drop our luggage off first.

ROOM: We had the Presidential Suite #3201. First thing I noticed that it was a big room but in much need of renovations! As we walked through the bathroom, you're suddenly hit by this god awful musty smell. (Seriously, enough to make you gag). We left the door open or else the smell was too much. One thing I noticed that was strange...there are two doors to the bathroom, one by the main entrance, and the other through the bedroom. However, there is only one light switch and that's by the main entrance which means if you needed to use the bathroom in the middle of night, you had to walk all the way across the bathroom to the other side in the dark and scramble to find the light. This got extremely annoying, so we just slept with the bathroom light on the entire second night. Another thing I noticed there was no guest book of services/info. After we checked out the room, we went down to the front desk to get our wristbands, meal vouchers etc.

FRONT DESK: The ladies at the front desk seem friendly, but need to pay more attention to detail. One lady asked us both for our driver's license. As she handed them both back, she said, "thank you, Stacy and David". Umm, that is neither of our names. I told her that our room didn't have a guest book of services in our room, and she acted like i was crazy and that I just "missed" it, but she'd have housekeeping send one up. We explored the hotel a while, and then when we went back to our room, we noticed a telephone book on the counter. So, I called down to the front desk and explained we wanted a guest book not a phone book. She said they'd have someone bring the correct book up right away. NO ONE EVER CAME. So now irriated since that was my second request, the following day, I went back up to the front desk, and she said that none of the rooms have guest books. Really, how are guests supposed to know everything you offer if you don't provide anything? Also, why couldn't the first two ladies I talked to just tell me this?!?!

WATERPARK: Small, fun for about 1 hour. We were there during the week so absolutely no lines for any ride and plenty of tubes, which was nice.

FOOD/SERVICE: Only worth if it you got the all-inclusive package. There were a couple of times, where we'd get seated, and no ever came to greet us or ask us for drinks for several minutes. So we just helped ourselves to the buffet. I noticed this with people around us too. There seem to be confusion with the servers regarding who's table is who's. We had to ask for refills almost every single time our drink was completely empty. One server took our breakfast order and drinks because she felt bad we were waiting so long even though we weren't her table. Once our real server greeted our table, she asked for our room number 3 times because she couldn't remember, because she didn't write it down, I have no idea, but it was getting annoying.

Overall, it was okay not great by any means. Plenty of better places to stay in the Dells. There just isn't anything that would bring us back. There's a card in your room that says 'from a 0. They also email you a survey after your stay. I filled it out, but never heard anything. If you want to compete with places like the Kalahari or the Wilderness, you need to step up your game...period.

Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple

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Dan H, General Manager at Chula Vista Resort, responded to this review,
January 5, 2013

Jamica_Visitor_12,

Glad to see that you were able to take advantage of teh Great Escape package, it provides great value. Also, thank you for providing feedback and taking the time to write a review. We hope to see you again in the near future.

Regards,

Dan HoppeGeneral Manager

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I took my boys here for a little extra Christmas fun based solely on a t.v. commercial. I read a few reviews and since they were mixed thought what the heck just give it a try. A few issues:1. Customer service needs help - I arrived two hours earlier than check in time with two little people and asked for early check-in. I understand this is not guranteed, but at check-in, the young woman was very rude. She took down my cell number, told me that they'd text me when a room was available, and 15 minutes before check-in I received nothing, so I walked to front desk and asked about my room, and a new young lady says, "Oh, your room has been available for awhile now, would you like me to check you in?" I didn't even bother showing how annoyed I was because I was trying to stay in the Christmas spirit and knew I'd be writing a review later.2. Got to room and noticed tv remote and refrigerator didn't work, so called front desk. Front desk person informed me she'd "try" to get someone to come check. About thirty minutes later, some little man comes banging on the door as if he is annoyed to be doing his job. He just walks over to tv remote and says, "It needs to be programmed." I guess as a guest in a hotel, I should know that every remote needs to be programmed by guests not hotel personnel??! Again, I ignored and remained in Christmas spirit. He then walks over to refrigerator, takes my water bottle out (which I had frozen at home and brought along with me, so it was already cold when I put in refrigerator) and says, "Looks like the fridge is working to me. So what else is a problem?" I looked at him and told him my water was cold when I put it in fridge and that the fridge was leaking water and clearly wasn't making any sounds as if it was getting cold ( I had turned it to high.) He then says, "Oh, well these little fridges need time to get cold. Just call us if nothing happens by later tonight." Three days later the fridge was hot, maintenance never came by and at check out, the guy at desk says, "Oh sorry the fridge didn't work, I will have someone take another look." Incredible.3. It is winter. People are here for the "indoor waterpark". In the indoor waterpark it is nice and warm, the minute you step out, it is freezing. Maybe I'm being unreasonable, but I sort of expected a place that is open in the winter in WISCONSIN DELLS that has an indoor waterpark to keep a nice cozy temperature, so that you don't feel like you are in the arctic when you leave the comforts of its indoor waterpark. I had to bring winter clothes to put on my boys so they wouldn't freeze walking from the indoor waterpark back to our hotel room. Weird.4. Food is mediocre - got the worst pancakes AND bacon for breakfast one morning. How in the world can anyone make bad BACON????? Bacon is typically universally good. It felt sinful having to throw it away.5. Saw same orange piece and cigarette butt sitting on floor outside my room the entire stay (and no one in my room smokes.)6. Hotel room cleaning knocked on my door every day and encouraged me not to get room cleaning and to just hand them my dirty towels as they handed me new face towels. 7. Room is nice sized.8. Concept is a good one and this place could be so much better, because it has the "bones," but come on, the things that made me give two circles are things that are just easy to improve on, and the lack of interest in making the improvements are the very reason I will not be coming back.

Room Tip: If you want a somewhat inexpensive place to take kids and don't care about service, freezing to...

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Stayed December 2012, traveled with family

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We had a two bedroom condo this trip. Kitchen clean and well appointed although I really wanted salt and pepper! None to be found so bring it if you need it. Two beautiful fireplaces and a whirlpool in the room. King room very nice although little room in bathroom to put toiletries. Really tiny shelves in that bathroom. Main bathroom roomy and plenty o room. I love being able to cook little meals and save my money for the great meals. Pillows and bed soooooo comfy I slept awesome! Family area relaxing although I wish the flatscren had a rotating base or pull out base for when you are in hot tub. Plenty of open space for kids to lounge around and play games. I always enjoy our stays here. I wish I had the all inclusive though as the free drinks and food are really awesome if you come with adults!!!

Room Tip: Main Condos are nice, river view better but golf condos not my fave in winter as it is not connected...

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Dan H, General Manager at Chula Vista Resort, responded to this review,
December 28, 2012

Sara H.,

It was great to have you back with us for your holiday getaway, we appreciate you being with us.Thank you for taking the time to write a review on your accommodations the condos are wonderful for a family get together.We look forward to seeing you again soon and have a great new year.

Regards,

Dan HoppeGeneral Manager

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The room was not clean. The one bed had no fitted sheet and only a flat sheet. In the same bed was a used sock - thus I am assuming the room was not cleaned. The drain would not drain for at least 3 minutes. When we discussed this with the front desk, they were like "thank you for letting us know" and "have a good day". Not a good experience all - first time and most likely the last time with no recommendations from us. Stay at the other end of the Dells - much nicer facilities.

Stayed December 2012, traveled with family

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Dan H, General Manager at Chula Vista Resort, responded to this review,
December 28, 2012

Devonshire of Wi,

I personaly apologize regarding your recent visit. We are most serious about our housekeeping standards and have addressed this issue with the appropiate parties.We know you have many choices in selecting a travel destination and I am sorry we did not meet the expectations your deserve.I hope that you may consider us again in the future.

Regards,

Dan HoppeGeneral Manager

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The front desk is inefficient and ineffective headed by from what I heard from a Karolyn. The front desk people hide from their guest in a side office gabbing about nonbusiness stuff. Thier managers are on thier cellphones texting or talking on the phone to thier personal life. I tried getting ahold of one later on and they were nowhere to be found by the front desk staff. The front desk staff were generally talkative but not to me. Once they get done with thier checking in routine, you get the feeling that they push you out the door. They had no empathy, or if they did it seemed forced and fake. The rooms stink like someone smoked canibus (marijuana). From what I heard that the security staff will not do anything about it, so if you sell drugs feel free to use their rooms. The rooms are okay. Staind carpets must be a special bonus. Waterpark is small. Restaurants bland and tasteless. The raviolis at the Chop House, take a pass. The buffet was not worth it. Great Servers though. All in all, go elsewhere.

Stayed October 2012

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Dan H, General Manager at Chula Vista Resort, responded to this review,
December 24, 2012

JasRaven,

I apologize that we did not meet your expectations and I would be interested in discussing those with you. I am sorry fot the inrteractions you encountered for I know how frustrating this can be. Please feel free to contact me.

Regards,

Dan HoppeGeneral Manager

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From time to time the Chula Vista Resort offers a mid-week all inclusive package for an amazing price. The package includes 3 buffet meals per day & unlimited beverages, including alcohol. The water park is not as exciting as some in the Dells, but it is perfect for younger children or for adults looking for an inexpensive, relaxing get-away. There is even an adult-only outdoor whirlpool with evening cocktail service. This is not the most elaborate resort in the Dells, but it is certainly the best deal!

We stayed the night before Thanksgiving in a Junior Suite - the room size was very nice. We had two teens with us (16 & 18) and it was nice to have the little livingroom area and the refrigerator. We really appreciate queen beds also which a lot of places do not offer.

The room had seen a lot of wear. The carpets in the hall are frayed. I think it would be more fun to stay in the summer with the outside activities going on. The teens were only in the water park for two hours and got bored. They were NOT impressed by the water park. It was not very cool inside the park and the water was cold. It's quite small in comparison to others in the area and there wasn't enough to keep them entertained. There were other activites on site but there was a charge for everything.

I'd think younger kids would love the indoor park any time.

This is a mega-resort complex including waterpark theme and activities for kids. At times I found myself lost in the complex due to the tunnels and number of buildings.

We won't be going back. There are much better places to stay in the Dells.

Stayed November 2012, traveled with family

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Dan H, General Manager at Chula Vista Resort, responded to this review,
December 24, 2012

Vacgirl23,

We appreciate your feedback and thank you for being with us on your recent visit. We will keep you updated on our future promotions and upgrades as they come along.We hope to see you again in the near future.

Regards,

Dan HoppeGeneral Manager

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Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark is a complete resort experience in Wisconsin Dells with over 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor waterparks. Luxury comes standard in all of our guest rooms, suites and condominiums. Bring your clubs and challenge yourself on our 18-hole golf course. At Chula Vista, we invite you to laugh harder, splash bigger, stay longer and vacation better at Wisconsin Dells' most complete family resort!...more less

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Also Known As:

Chula Vista Hotel Wisconsin Dells

Chula Vista Theme Hotel

Chula Vista Wisconsin Dells

Hotel Chula Vista Theme

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